In the age of constant iPhone tapping, topcoats have never been more vital. This one gives nails a high-gloss shine and dries polish in about 60 seconds. You can even “apply a second coat a few days later to ride out the mani,” says Bozant.

Dancing jauntily between cherry red and watermelon pink, this juicy hue looks ablaze on fingers and toes. “It’s fully opaque after two coats,” says Kandalec, who loves how flattering it is on almost anyone.

Gel color options generally leave much to be desired. But this topcoat ups the ante, lending any polish the longevity of a gel. Paint as usual, sweep on the clear lacquer, then hold under the included LED for a minute. Chip-free tips last up to three weeks.

Gel color options generally leave much to be desired. But this topcoat ups the ante, lending any polish the longevity of a gel. Paint as usual, sweep on the clear lacquer, then hold under the included LED for a minute. Chip-free tips last up to three weeks.

It was a swipe of Christian Louboutin’s assistant’s firered nail polish that originally inspired his iconic red soles. Now his own signature crimson lacquer trumps every other red on the market. “If you can’t afford the shoes, this red looks just as sexy,” says N.Y.C. manicurist Elle.

Experts may not agree exactly what color this is — some told us deep brown, others thought black, another swore eggplant — but one thing’s for sure: It’s the chicest dark lacquer money can buy. “My clients always gravitate right to it,” says Outing.

This taupe would be right at home in Olivia Pope’s closet of elegant neutrals. It looks crisp, clean, and competent—just like the fixer herself. It suits all skin tones and “never streaks, which often happens with nudes,” says N.Y.C. nail pro Sunshine Outing.

Each bottle contains certified black-diamond dust for light-reflecting bling. But there’s a deeper glossiness beyond the gimmick, as long as you lay it on thick. Says L.A. manicurist Melissa Bozant: "You need to use four to five layers, let it fully dry," and you’ll get the sexiest, richest black you’ve ever seen.

Though long-lasting gels are the latest advancement in nail lacquers, applying them at home isn't the easiest feat. Says N.Y.C. manicurist Lisa Logan of using this foolproof LED dryer: "You just turn it on and turn it off. It's that simple." As for the color range, the shades are current and "true to what you see in the bottle."